Published: August 7, 2025
What is happening with the Bundeswehr? Just a few years ago, Germany’s military was criticized for chronic underfunding, outdated equipment, and the burdens of its historical legacy. Today, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, German authorities have declared a historic shift — the Zeitenwende, or turning point.
In the latest episode of the podcast “Tu Dzieje się Nauka”, Michał Larek (also known for his YouTube series Zabójcze Opowieści) speaks with Krzysztof Żerko, a student of international relations at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, who is analyzing this profound transformation as part of his academic research project.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Why was the Bundeswehr long described as “the army afraid to be an army”?
- What exactly does Zeitenwende mean, and what are its central pillars?
- How did Russia go from being considered a “partner” to a “threat” in German discourse?
- How has public perception of the German military evolved, and are Germans ready to take more responsibility for European security?
- What controversies surrounded German military aid to Ukraine — from the infamous 5,000 helmets to deliveries of heavy weaponry?
Krzysztof Żerko, who previously appeared on the podcast discussing the phenomenon of Volodymyr Zelensky, offers a sharp and thoughtful analysis of Germany’s shifting defense policy and the broader mental and political changes unfolding across Europe’s largest economy.
This episode offers a compelling look at how history and geopolitics are reshaping Germany’s role on the continent — in real time.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on:
This project is funded by the Excellence Initiative – Research University (ID-UB) and produced in cooperation with the Faculty of Philosophy at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań.
Source: Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań
About the Author
